This Month's Corn and Soy Updates: | | |
Dear SCCSA Members,
I hope you and your families had a great Easter and that it was a time full of rest, remembrance, and thankfulness.
This year the SC Corn and Soybean Association is celebrating 60 years of advocating for SC’s corn and soybean farmers. An incredible milestone that speaks to the very importance of this organization and the great leaders who have guided us to today. First founded in 1966 as the SC Soybean Association, and later included corn into its name, the SCCSA has had grower leaders represent SC at the national level within the American Soybean Association (ASA) and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), with two of our previous Presidents serving as President of ASA, Mr. Leslie Tindal (1969-1971) and Mr. John Long (1995-1996). I’d like to thank all the members, past and present, that have served, guided, and shaped the SCCSA over the past 60 years. Here’s to the next 60 years!
Over the past year, there have been some large wins for corn and soybean farmers. From ECAP, to OBBBA, to FBA, to the recent release of the RVOs, these have provided some much needed relief and promise during a time of tremendous uncertainty. However, there is much more that must be done. From fertilizer to fuel, to commodity prices and markets, know that your grower leaders are working to provide real meaningful solutions back to the farm gate.
As we move through April, corn planting progress across the state has slowed to a drastic halt. Good early season conditions resulted in a large number of acres planted early in the planting window. Yet, historic drought conditions felt across the state have since left many tractors and planters idle while waiting on much needed rainfall. I pray that relief on all fronts: rainfall, farm aid, and increased commodity prices, is just on the horizon.
As you continue into 2026, our thoughts and prayers are with you and I hope you have a safe and prosperous year!
Dr. Bennett Harrelson
Executive Director
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From the Archives: New officers of the South Carolina Soybean Association for 1972, from left: McGee Fralix, Lodge, S.C., treasurer; Dave Wiggins, Eutawville, S.C., president; Burnett DuBose, Monetta, S.C., vice president; Jim Palmer, Clemson, S.C., secretary; and Jim Neeley, Hartsville, S.C., executive vice president.
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Rachel Sharp represents South Carolina farmers on the big screen!
In case you missed it! Rachael Sharp, an Allendale, SC farmer and a member of the SC Soybean Board, was in a Super Bowl LIX commercial with OpenAI to discuss how she uses ChatGPT on the farm.
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Congratulations to the winners of the Palmetto Soybean Yield Contest:
Overall: Cade Baughman - 96.19 bu/ac, Gateway 479XFS
Irrigated:
1st Place: Connelly Farms - 75.84 bu/ac, AG 545XFO
2nd Place: Calvin Young & Son Farm - 66.92 bu/ac, AG 545XFO
Dryland: McDaniel Farms - 70.03 bu/ac, NKS 48-H3XFS
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Check in on the Checkoff!
Brought to you by the South Carolina Corn & Soybean Boards
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Free nematode sampling
Now is a great time to pull nematode samples if you have not already done so. Whether you pull samples regularly or have never pulled a sample, the SC Corn, Soybean, and Cotton Boards, in collaboration with Clemson University, are providing the analysis of nematode samples for free again in 2026. Contact your local Extension Agent for details.
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Read about planter technologies
New planter technologies can improve efficiency and precision while reducing seed costs. In this article by Science for Success, read about the pros and cons of new tech in:
-Seed delivery
-Planter downforce
-In-furrow application technology
-Row cleaners
-Planter closing wheels
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2025 Corn and Soybean Research Reports
Last year the corn and soybean boards funded research to improve farmer safety and profitability. This research portfolio includes fertility management, pest and disease control, herbicide resistance, and overall cropping system optimization. Read the reports to see the results of our 2025 projects.
| | | | | Ears in Washington: Corn growers tackle rising fertilizer costs | |
President Trump released long-awaited quotas that dictate how much biofuel made from crops must be blended into the gasoline and diesel supply. The new rule increases biomass-based diesel—which is partly derived from soybeans—blending by more than 60%, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. It raises the biofuel requirement for all fuel by a lower percentage.
Read the article
| | | | SCCSA Board Member Johnny Watts calls on legislators to support farmers | |
“We're looking at potentially 50% of farms in South Carolina going under. Our state's number one industry is looking at losing half of everybody that's working in it: the jobs, the part stores, the fuel suppliers, the fertilizer folks. It's going to be unlike anything we've ever seen.”
Watch the video
| | Become a voice for South Carolina corn and soybean farmers by joining the South Carolina Corn and Soybean Association! | |
Reminder: SCCSA Members Receive a Discount on Travelers Insurance
SCCSA members now have access to a 10% additional discount on new farm property and liability insurance policies placed with Travelers Agribusiness through Accountable Insurance Partners.
Accountable Insurance Partners is South Carolina’s largest independent insurance agency specializing in farm and agribusiness insurance, offering tailored coverage solutions designed to protect your farming operations.
Contact Erik Marechal, Billy Early III, or Eli Fowler at 843-669-5858 to get an insurance evaluation to improve your protection and reduce your insurance premium. Sponsored by Accountable Insurance Partners.
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Agriliance: Planting Hope, Harvesting Certainty
Agriliance, founded by JC Carroll and Ben Tillman, is a full-service crop insurance company dedicated to supporting farmers with personalized risk management solutions. Their approach centers on building a strong, versatile team that works closely with each operation to deliver tailored guidance.
With experienced, boots-on-the-ground agents, a knowledgeable processing team, and organized administrative support, Agriliance provides a truly hands-on, face-to-face experience. This commitment ensures farmers have the insight and confidence needed to make well-informed decisions for their operations.
Because the cost of crop insurance is consistent, the difference lies in the team behind you. With Agriliance, you gain a trusted partner focused on helping you navigate risk and protect what matters most. Sponsored by Agriliance.
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